Lucien Freud: Drawing into Painting

Lucien Freud 
Drawing into Painting 
at the National Portrait Gallery 
12 May - 4 May 2026 

If you know me well, you will know that I'm not entirely convinced that the National Portrait Gallery is an art museum: its focus is history, and the presentation of images of significant people in British history... and not all of its holdings are great works of art.

You might also be aware that I'm not entirely convinced that Lucien Freud's work constitutes portraiture. Some of his paintings, drawings and prints are undoubtedly portraits, yes, but others would be more accurately be classed as nudes, character studies or even genre scenes. That's not to say he's not a great artist - on the contrary, he was one of the best of Britain's modern painters, and one of the most profound explorers of the human condition. Given that some of his work is portraiture, the forthcoming exhibition finds as good a place as any at the NPG. 

Given these minor quibbles, I should just say that this will be a fantastic exhibition, the to focus on Freud's work on paper - which, given that he is best known for his handling of paint might come as a surprise. However, the Gallery has recently acquired 12 new works by the artist, including 8 etchings, and this will be the first chance the public has to see them.

As well as looking as drawing 'in all its forms – from pencil, pen, and ink to charcoal and etching' the Portrait Gallery also assures us that, 'a carefully selected group of important paintings will reveal the dynamic dialogue between his practice on paper and on canvas'. The exhibition promises to be a revelation, and I, for one, am looking forward to it - and looking forward to introducing you to it online, and walking virtually past as many of the works as time will allow.

Please remember, I do not record my talks.